Pre-Sessional COVID-19 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

All Pre-sessional programmes in 2020 will be delivered and assessed in a flexible online format with an on-campus transition at the end of the programme, ensuring that you are able to continue your journey to your chosen degree of study in the 2020/21 academic year. You will have been directly contacted by us via King’s Apply about the changes to your programme.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions, below, relating to Pre-sessional study. You can also read more about King's response to COVID-19 and a wider range of questions here.

Applications

Can I still apply for a Pre-sessional programme?

Yes, the timing of our Pre-sessional programmes aligns with the start of degree programmes. To support all our students, we have already extended the application deadlines for our Pre-sessional courses. We may increase the number of places available on the 2020 Pre-sessional courses if required.

The application timings for our Pre-sessional courses are as follows:

Programme

Teaching start date

Deadline to Apply

Deadline for proof of ELR

Deadline to accept

16 week

26 May 2020

08 May 2020

11 May 2020

13 May 2020

11 week

29 June 2020

08 June 2020

15 June 2020

17 June 2020

6 week

03 August 2020

13 July 2020

20 July 2020

22 July 2020

* You will be required to complete your induction in the week prior to teaching commencing.

Study

When will my Pre-sessional programme commence?

The 2020 Pre-sessional programme will be run in an online format for the 16, 11 and 6-week programmes. All students who achieve the required English language standard for their chosen degree will progress through to that degree.

Programme

Start date

16 week

18 May 2020

11 week

22 June 2020

6 week

27 July 2020

The online elements of our programmes have been recognised by the British Council for innovation and our former students recommend it. Students have small group tutorials, group webinars and workshops, face-to-face teaching and a variety of work to ensure that the online programme is engaging, interesting and delivers the results our students need.

What can I expect in terms of the online Pre-sessional?

The Programme aims are the same as for our on-campus programmes and have been designed to ensure you develop your academic skills and language. Each week includes structured video lessons and online practice activities designed to help you develop your academic language and skills for reading, writing, listening and speaking. In addition, you will participate in online webinars, seminars and tutorials as well as having a range of online tasks to complete and discuss with your tutors and your fellow students. You will also be using an educational social software platform that allows you to learn from, communicate and collaborate with classmates outside of class times. The Programmes are full-time and intensive, and our aim is to ensure you are ready to start your degree in September.

You can find out more about the programme structure, as well as hear from students who studied online with us last year, on our website.

King’s Foundations is a sector leader in delivering high quality and engaging online programmes and was recently shortlisted for a British Council innovation award for its online Pre-sessional programmes. We have run our programmes in an online format, connecting an international community of learners, for the last two years. Over the last two years, the progression rate (95%+) from our combined (online) version of our Pre-sessional courses, along with our student satisfaction rates, has been excellent.

Will I have everything I need at home in order to study successfully for my Pre-sessional?

Yes. Our online flexible format offers:

Full access to King’s online resources as a student of the university

Face-to-face interaction online with teachers and fellow students

Regular personal feedback on your work and progress in face-to-face online tutorials

The ability to work at your own pace and develop your confidence

High quality, innovative, British Council award-nominated lessons

Technical support provided Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm GMT

How many hours will I study?

The Pre-sessional is a full-time programme and, as such, students will have at least 10 hours of online directed study a week. In addition, there will be classroom study with other students and self-study. Overall, it is expected that students will study for around 25 hours a week.

Assessment

How will the Pre-sessional be assessed?

Our programmes are built to get you to the right level for degree study and our students perform well on their chosen degrees. We are taking a portfolio approach to assessment. This means you will have several tasks to submit during the programme which will input into your final, overall grade.

Our assessment is designed so that you can build on the feedback and input you get from your tutors. On successful completion of the online Pre-sessional programme, you will progress to your chosen degree.

Required Pre-sessional exit grades vary depending on your chosen degree. You will also be supported during your degree through continued skills support.

Academic and English Language Qualifications

My exams and results have been delayed and I cannot provide the details that I have met the conditions of my offer. What should I do?

You will be able to start your Pre-sessional course if your final academic results are delayed. Please contact Admissions by sending a message through your King’s Apply account.

I cannot take a UKVI IELTS test in time as the testing centres are closed. Can I still come to study at King’s?

Yes. We can now accept the same range of tests for Pre-sessional Programmes as we do for degree entry. These are IELTS (UKVI or Academic), Pearson Test of English (academic), TOEFL iBT (including TOEFL home, where it is being offered), Cambridge and Trinity exams. There are further details about the grades required here.

We know that the closure of testing centres is causing problems and King’s College London will shortly be introducing a new English test to support all those students who cannot currently book an English language test date. More information is coming soon.

Please contact us if you have any further questions about which language tests we can accept.

Visas

I cannot apply for and obtain my visa in time. Can I still study my Pre-sessional?

You will not be required to have a visa for online study on our 2020 Pre-sessional courses.

Do I need a CAS?

You will not be required to have a visa for online study on our 2020 Pre-sessional courses.

We understand that you will have questions about visa requirements for your degree study. We will be able to issue you with a CAS for your degree study once you have met the academic conditions of your degree, and you are on target with your progress and engagement in the Pre-sessional Programme.

Accommodation

When must I book my accommodation?

As an international student, you are guaranteed accommodation in a King’s Residence for the first year of your King’s degree. More information about booking accommodation for the commencement of your degree on campus, choosing the right location and living in London will be sent to you in due course, or you can find out more on the King’s Residences website. You will not require accommodation for the Pre-sessional in 2020.